What's the O For?

Nov 19, 2007

"Seated next to Burtch at a dinner in D.C. that coincided with our last board meeting, we were discussing his personal feelings about leaving the AAAA. While deeply interested, I found myself pondering a much bigger question and seized the moment. I asked, 'What does the O stand for?' I was expecting some Outlandish, Over-the-top name. Oddly, it was a fairly normal, Ordinary name. There was a long, convoluted explanation that I still don't quite follow. I won't reveal what the O stands for, as it is Overly disappointing and you should continue to use your Own imagination."

Linda Sawyer, CEO, Deutsch

"Of all the questions I ever asked Burtch, the one he never answered was, 'What does the O. stand for?' So at the Friar's Club roast, I posited various ways it might have been used during his illustrious (if redundant) career at Dancer (twice) and FCB (twice). When he'd arrive, it might have been…'Oh? Burtch Drake?' And when he kept coming back…'Oh, Burtch Drake…' And I even imagined a time (before the lovely Debbie) when it might have been…'OOOOHHHHHHH, BURTCH DRAKE!!!!' "But when his wife Debbie finally revealed that O stood for Owen, it made a lot of sense. Because we are Owing Owen Burtch Drake a lot, for taking us through perhaps the most fundamental changes the business has ever seen, and keeping us on an even keel, as befits a Long Island yachtsman."

Ralph Rydholm, Former AAAA Chairman

Salute to Burtch Drake Welcome Note
Q&A with Burtch Drake Part I
More Q&A with OBD part II
More Q&A with OBD part III
What's the O For?
Ahead of the Curve Part I
Ahead of the Curve Part II
OBD Camera Ready
Jerry McGee's Last Word